Speed-Time Graphs
A speed-time graph shows how the speed of a moving object varies with time
The red line represents an object with increasing speed
The green line represents an object with decreasing speed
Acceleration on a Speed-Time Graph
Speed-time graphs also show the following information:
If the object is moving with a constant acceleration or deceleration
The magnitude of the acceleration or deceleration
A straight line represents constant acceleration
The slope of the line represents the magnitude of acceleration
A steep slope means large acceleration (or deceleration) - i.e. the object's speed changes very quickly
A gentle slope means small acceleration (or deceleration) - i.e. the object's speed changes very gradually
A flat line means the acceleration is zero - i.e. the object is moving with a constant speed
Using Speed-Time Graphs
The distance travelled by an object can be found by determining the area beneath the graph
If the area beneath the graph forms a triangle (the object is accelerating or decelerating) then the area can be determined using the formula:
If the area beneath the graph is a rectangle (constant velocity) then the area can be determined using the formula: